The Shadows of God - J. Gregory Keyes [139]
When they reached the hilltop, with its gaudy and bewildering collection of tents, plant growth, and costumed servants, Fastia, too, excused herself. “I need to speak to my mother,” she explained. “Details about the celebration. Do try to enjoy yourself.”
“I will, Archgreffess. My deepest thanks for your conversation.”
“It is little enough,” Fastia said stiffly. “It's rare we get a breath of fresh air in this court, and well worth breathing it when it comes along.” She began to ride away, then paused, turned her horse back, and brought her head quite near his, so that he could smell the cinnamon perfume she wore. “There are others in the court you haven't met. I pointed out my uncle, Robert? My father's brother? My father has two sisters, as well. Lesbeth, the duchess of Andemeur, and Elyoner, the duchess of Loiyes. You'll find the first sweet-tempered and pleasant in conversation. Elyoner I advise you to avoid, at least until you are wiser. She can be dangerous for young men like you.”
Neil bowed in the saddle. “Thank you again, Princess Fastia, for your company and your advice.”
“Again you are welcome.” This time she rode off without looking back.
That left him alone, which gave him time to let it all sink in, to try to understand the seeming chaos around him.
And to struggle with the fact that he had actually met a king. No, not just a king, but the king, the Amrath, the Ardrey —the emperor of Crotheny and the kingdoms that served it, the greatest nation in the world.
He looked for the queen and found her near the edge of the hill, talking to two ladies. There, too, vigilant Craftsmen kept both their range and their guard.
It was said these men renounced all lands and property upon entering the royal bodyguard. It was also said that they felt neither pain nor desire, that none could stand against them, that their weapons had been forged by giants.
Perhaps that's why he hadn't recognized them right away. To Neil, they seemed like any other men.
Alone, Neil had the leisure to reflect on just how out of place he felt. In Liery, he had known who he was. He was Neil, son of Fren, and since the destruction of his clan, the fosterling of Fail de Liery. More than that, he had been a warrior, and a good one. Even the knights of Liery had recognized that, and complimented him on it. He had been one of them in all but title. None had successfully stood against him in single combat since he was fourteen. No enemy of the de Lierys had ever stood against him at all, not since that day on the beach.
But what use was he here, in this place of frilly tents and costumes? Where even the most civil of the royal bodyguard spoke to him with such condescension? What could he do here?
Better that he serve the empire as he always had, as a warrior of the marches, where it mattered little whether or not one wore a knight's rose, and mattered much how one wielded a sword.
He would find Fail de Liery and ask him not to recommend him. It was the only sensible course of action.
He looked about and saw Sir Fail break away from the king.
“Come, Hurricane,” he told his mount, “let's tell him, and hope it's not too late.”
But as he turned, he caught a glimpse of the queen. The sight of her held him momentarily.
She was still mounted, silhouetted against the blue sky. Beyond her, the land dropped away to a distant green, still misty with morning. A breeze ruffled her hair.
He realized he had stared too long, and began to turn, when a motion caught his eye. It was one of the Craftsmen, his mount at full gallop, careening across the green toward her, a long silver flash of steel in his hand.
Neil didn't think but kicked Hurricane into motion. Clearly the knight was rushing to meet some threat. Frantically, Neil searched with his eyes as he galloped forward, but saw nothing the warrior might be responding to.
And then he understood. He drew Crow, flourishing her and uttering the piercing war cry of the MeqVrens.
Her gown was of a red so dark it seemed nearly black, and it was hemmed with strange scrolling needlework that glinted ruby.